Ariarne Titmus speaks out after Aussie golden girl cops backlash over Melbourne Cup involvement

Aussie swimming champion Ariarne Titmus has dismissed criticism over her involvement in the Melbourne Cup, facing the music at Flemington on Tuesday and speaking of her love for horses. The organisation urging Australians to turn their back on the Melbourne Cup has told Yahoo Sport Australia of their disappointment at the champion Olympic swimmer promoting the race.

Titmus, a four-time Olympic gold medallist, is the official Melbourne Cup carnival ambassador and has talked about her excitement about being involved. Speaking to Channel 9 on Tuesday she said: "Walking the Melbourne Cup to the mounting yard before the race will be a highlight for me and I love watching the racing. I'm so excited to see the horses in action, meeting people you usually wouldn't cross paths with, hanging out and having a good day."

The Coalition for the Protection of Racehorses (CPR), whose 'Nup to the Cup' campaign is into 15th year, failed in its attempt to convince Titmus to turn down the role. "Horse riding was my first love. I grew up around horses and competed in dressage and show jumping competitions from the age of seven before swimming took centre stage," Titmus said after being named an official Melbourne Cup ambassador.

"I have such fond memories of my riding days and am excited to be working with horses and the Victoria Racing Club again. There is no place like Flemington on the first Tuesday of November and I can’t wait to get back to Melbourne for Cup Week. There is no event like it that brings together exceptional sport, fashion and entertainment and I’m looking forward to swapping my swimmers for racewear and enjoying the week with friends."

The CPR responded on Titmus' Facebook page: "If you truly love horses we ask that you please reconsider your ambassador role for the Cup. Please open your eyes to what's really going on behind the scenes of the racing industry - we assure you, the suffering and exploitation of racehorses is nothing you want to be associated with #nuptothecup #horseracingkills."

'Nup to the Cup' director surprised by Ariarne Titmus' involvement

'Nup to the Cup' campaign director Elio Celotto told Yahoo Sport Australia: "We're very disappointed Ariarne Titmus is their ambassador but I guess they had to find someone. We're almost at the point where there's no excuse for not knowing (about the campaign against the Cup).

"I am absolutely 100 per cent sure that when Ariarne Titmus and others have signed their contracts, they are fully aware of the backlash they may get. All you can hope is that she might gain an insight into what happens in horse racing and she won't support it in the future."

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Celotto has more sympathy for celebrities like David Campbell, who is a strong 'Nup to the Cup' advocate but is also on the books at Channel 9, which has broadcast rights to the Melbourne Cup carnival for the next five years. "I doubt he would ever support racing and promote it of his own accord," Celotto said.

"But obviously he's got a contract, and he has to abide by the terms of the contract. We have spoken to some celebrities over the years who have quietly told us they support us but can't say or do anything. We don't hold a grudge against those people."